Wearable Canopy Shade

ABSTRACT

A wearable canopy shade is provided. The wearable canopy shade includes a canopy secured a frame, wherein the frame includes a bulbous first end and a narrower second end. The frame is movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the open position, the second end is perpendicular to the first end, such that the second end is configured to rest parallel to a back of a user wearing the shade and the first end rests above a head of the user, providing shade to a user positioned thereunder. The shade includes a strap that can secure the frame to the user. A cord is securable between the first end of the frame and the strap in order to prevent the rotation of the first end of the frame relative to the second end when the shade is in use.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. nonprovisional applicationSer. No. 16/663,517 filed on Oct. 25, 2019, U.S. provisional applicationNo. 62/835,336 filed on Apr. 17, 2019 and U.S. provisional applicationNo. 62/884,779 filed on Aug. 9, 2019; the above identified patentapplications are herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a wearable canopy shade. The presentinvention further provides a canopy and a frame securable to a user inan open position and foldable for compact storage.

Many people are exposed to the sun during the day when performingoutdoor activities, such as yard work, hiking, and the like. Sun damageto a person's skin is caused by the ultraviolet (UV) light produced bythe sun and occurs in variety of ways. Exposure to UV light leads to dryskin, sunburn, wrinkles, and more severe issues, such as cancer.

As a solution, some people choose to wear protective gear such as hatsor sun visors. Unfortunately, this type of protective gear does notprovide the necessary protection to other areas of the body exposed tothe harsh UV light, such as one's shoulder, neck, and chest. Further,hats and other wearable shades obstruct the line of sight of the wearerdue to the visor being adjacent to eye level. The lack of clear visioncan be harmful when performing certain outdoor activities requiring theuser to maintain alertness, such as when hiking.

Additionally, while hiking, many people carry backpacks to store fluids,food, camping equipment, and other hiking items. Often times a personmay forget to pack protective gear such as a hat or sunscreen. Having apersonal shade built-in to the backpack would prevent someone beingexposed directly to the sun while donning the wearable canopy shade,despite forgetting to pack protective gear.

In light of the devices disclosed in the known art, it is submitted thatthe present invention substantially diverges in design elements andmethods from the known art and consequently it is clear that there is aneed in the art for an improvement for a wearable canopy shade. In thisregard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types ofwearable canopy shades now present in the known art, the presentinvention provides a new wearable canopy shade backpack wherein the samecan be utilized for securing to the body of a user for providing shadeand protection from the sun while outdoors.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a wearable canopyshade having a canopy secured to an interior perimeter of a frame. Theframe includes a bulbous first end and a narrower second end. The frameis movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein theopen position the second end is perpendicular to the first end, suchthat the first end is configured to rest above a head of the user,providing shade to a user positioned thereunder, and the second end isconfigured to rest parallel to a back of a user wearing the shade.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a wearablecanopy shade having pair of shoulder straps configured to secure theframe to the user. In some embodiments the frame is directly secured tothe pair of shoulder straps. In other embodiments, the pair of shoulderstraps extend from the canopy. In yet another embodiment, the pair ofshoulder straps extend from a backpack, wherein the frame is securedthereto. In some embodiments, a sternum strap extends from the shoulderstraps to further secure the wearable canopy shade to the user.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide awearable canopy shade having a cord securable between the first end ofthe frame and the pair of shoulder straps in order to prevent therotation of the first end of the frame relative to the second end whenthe shade is in use. In some embodiments, in the closed position, theframe is folded such that the first end and second end are disposedwithin the backpack in a stacked configuration for compact storage. Insome embodiments, the frame is a monolithic structure. In otherembodiments, the frame is configured to twist and fold so as to form astacked configuration in the closed configuration.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a wearablecanopy shade having a pocket is disposed on a middle section and a solarpanel is disposed on the first end to provide energy to an outputdisposed on the shade. In other embodiments, one or more pouches extendfrom the shade in order to support a beverage container or personalitem, such as a cell phone or wallet.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved canopy shade backpack that has all of the advantages of theknown art and none of the disadvantages.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will beparticularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and mannerin which it may be made and used may be better understood after a reviewof the following description, taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1A shows a front perspective view of a first embodiment of thewearable canopy shade.

FIG. 1B shows a rear perspective view of a first embodiment of thewearable canopy shade.

FIG. 2A shows a front perspective view of a second embodiment of thewearable canopy shade.

FIG. 2B shows a rear perspective view of a second embodiment of thewearable canopy shade.

FIG. 3 shows a front view of a third embodiment of the wearable canopyshade.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of the wearablecanopy shade in a partially folded position.

FIG. 5 shows a side perspective view of a third embodiment of thewearable canopy shade transitioning into a folded position.

FIG. 6 shows a front perspective view of a fourth embodiment of thewearable canopy shade.

FIG. 7 shows a rear perspective view of a fourth embodiment of thewearable canopy shade.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. For the purposes ofpresenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, thepreferred embodiment will be discussed as used for securing to the bodyof a user to provide shade and protection from the sun while outdoors.The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should notbe considered to be limiting in any respect. Reference will now be madein detail to the exemplary embodiment (s) of the invention. Referencesto “one embodiment,” “at least one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “oneexample,” “an example,” “for example,” and so on indicate that theembodiment(s) or example(s) may include a feature, structure,characteristic, property, element, or limitation but that not everyembodiment or example necessarily includes that feature, structure,characteristic, property, element, or limitation. Further, repeated useof the phrase “in an embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the sameembodiment.

Referring now to FIGS. 1A and 1B, there is shown a front and rearperspective views of a first embodiment of the wearable canopy shade,respectively. The wearable canopy shade 1000 comprises canopy 1200secured to a frame 1100. In the illustrated embodiment, the canopy 1200extends along an entire interior area of the frame 1100, forming acontinuous surface 1210. The surface is defined as the area between thebounds of the frame 1100 and within a same plane thereof. In alternateembodiments, the canopy does not extend along the entire interior areaof the frame. The wearable canopy shade 1000 is adapted to be worn by auser and protect the user from direct exposure to sun light and weatherelements. In some embodiments, the canopy extends beyond the interiorperimeter of the frame 1100 so as to provide extended coverage and shadewhen the wearable canopy shade 1000 is in use. In the illustratedembodiment, the canopy 1200 is composed of durable fabric. However, inalternate embodiments, the canopy 1200 is composed of any suitablematerial configured to provide shade and reduce UV light passingtherethrough. In some embodiments, the material of the canopy 1200 iswaterproof, wherein other embodiments the canopy 1200 comprises awaterproof layer. In the illustrated embodiment, the canopy 1200 iscomposed of a reflective material to prevent a user from being exposedto direct sun light.

In the illustrated embodiment, the frame 1100 comprises a bulbous firstend 1110, an opposing bulbous second end 1130, and a middle section 1120tapering inward therebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, an entirelateral width of the first end 1110 is larger than an entire lateralwidth of the second end 1130. The lateral width is measured and definedas the distance between a first side 1135 of the frame 1100 and anopposing second side 1140. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame 1100is a monolithic structure. However, in alternate embodiments, the frame1100 is composed of more than one sections securable to one another. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the frame 1100 is a flexible memory wireconfigured to maintain its open configuration. When force is applied tothe frame 1100, the frame 1100 can be folded to a closed position andsecured with a fastener or other restraint to prevent reopening. Whenthe fastener or other restraint is removed, the frame 1100 is configuredto immediately open to the open position. In the illustrated embodiment,the frame 1100 is configured to automatically collapse or fold along apredefined course or fold lines once force is applied thereto (as shownin FIGS. 3-5).

The frame 1100 is movable between an open position and a closedposition. In the open position, the second end 1130 is perpendicular tothe first end 1110, such that the second end 1130 is configured to restparallel to a back of a user and the first end 1110 is configured torest above a head of the user. In the illustrated embodiment, the secondend 1130 is configured to rest flat against the back of a user, suchthat the canopy 1200 is donned directly against and contacting the user.In the open position, the middle section 1120 extends from the shouldersof the user to above the head of the user such that the first end 1110rests above the user and does not directly contact the user's body.

The present invention comprises a strap or other securement mechanismadapted to secure the wearable canopy shade 1000 to the user. In theillustrated embodiment, securement mechanism is a pair of shoulderstraps 1300 extend from the canopy 1200 and configured to secure thewearable canopy shade 1000 to the user. The shoulder straps 1300 extendfrom the middle section 1120 to the second end 1130. In operation, auser dons the shoulder straps 1300 in a similar manner as shoulderstraps of a backpack. In some embodiments, the shoulder straps comprisepadding for comfort. In alternate embodiments, there is a single strapthat secures around the user. In some embodiments, a first end of thestrap extends from the middle section 1120 on the first side 1135 to asecond end of the strap that is secured to the second end 1130 on theopposing second side 1140. In this way, the strap is diagonally disposedand configured to rest over one shoulder of the user and across thechest of the user.

In some embodiments, one or more sternum straps 1350 extend from eitheran upper or lower portion of the shoulder straps 1300. The sternumstraps 1350 are configured to extend perpendicularly from the shoulderstraps 1300 and secure around a front side of the user. Theconfiguration of the shoulder straps 1300 and sternum strap 1350 allowsthe wearable canopy shade 1000 to be secured to the user's body forcomplete portability and mobility.

In the illustrated embodiment, the wearable canopy shade 1000 comprisesone or more cords 1400 securable between the first end 1110 of the frame1100 and the pair of shoulder straps 1300. The position and structure ofthe cord 1400 is configured to restrain movement of the first end 1110of the frame 1100 if there is a strong force, such as wind, from movingthe wearable canopy shade 1000. In the illustrated embodiment, the cordextends from a front end of the first end of the frame. In someembodiments, the cord 1400 is slidably secured to frame 1100 via a ring1410 to allow a user to selectively position the cord relative to thefirst end 1110 of the frame 1100.

In some embodiments, an end of the cord 1400 includes a clip 1500adapted to removably secure the cord 1400 to a shoulder strap 1300. Inthe illustrated embodiment, each shoulder strap 1300 comprises a band1510 that extends laterally across an exterior thereof. Each band 1510is configured to receive an end of the cord 1400 via the clip 1500 orother fastener.

In some embodiments, the middle section 1120 comprises a pocket 1520 toallow a user to store objects therein. In other embodiments, the pocket1520 comprises a transparent front wall 1525 to allow visibility of theinterior of the pocket 1520 to display objects stored therein, such as alogo or identification card. In the illustrated embodiment, the pocket1520 comprises a rectangular shape. However, in alternate embodiments,the pocket comprises any suitable shape. The pocket 1520 is secured tothe canopy by any suitable means, such as sewn or adhered thereon.

In some embodiments, a solar panel 1600 is disposed on the canopy 1200along the first end 1110 of the frame 1100. The solar panel 1600 isconfigured to supply stored energy to an output 1610 disposed on thewearable canopy shade 1000, wherein the output 1610 is connectable to anelectronic device in order to provide power thereto. In alternateembodiments, the solar panel is disposed on any suitable portion of thecanopy configured to be exposed to the sun.

In the illustrated embodiment, a first pouch 1620 extends from thesecond end 1130 of the frame 1100. The first pouch 1620 is configured toreceive and support a beverage container 600. In some embodiments, thefirst pouch 1620 is suspended from the lowermost portion of the secondend 1110 of the frame 1100 when in the open position. In someembodiments, a second pouch 1630 extends from the pair of shoulderstraps 1300. The second pouch 1630 is configured to support a cell phoneor wallet therein.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, there is shown front and rearperspective views of a second embodiment of the wearable canopy shade,respectively. In a second illustrated embodiment of the wearable canopyshade 1000, the frame 1100 comprises a continuous linear taper from thefirst end 1110 to the second end 1130 thereof.

In some embodiments, the canopy 1200 comprises a vent 1700 that allowsair to flow from one side of the canopy 1200 to the opposing sidetherethrough. In the illustrated embodiment, the vent 1700 is composedof mesh material. However, in alternate embodiments, the vent iscomposed of any suitable material configured to allow air to flowtherethrough. In the illustrated embodiment, the vent 1700 is disposedon the second end 1130 to allow air to flow through to the back of theuser in order to provide a cooling effect. In the illustratedembodiment, the vent 1700 comprises a trapezoid shape, wherein opposingsides of the vent are parallel to the opposing sides of the frame 1100.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, there is shown a front view of a thirdembodiment of the wearable canopy shade and a perspective view of athird embodiment of the wearable canopy shade in a partially foldedposition, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame isconfigured to coil in overlapping or stacked sections. In theillustrated embodiment, the wearable canopy shade 1000 is foldable abouta first, second, and third section I, II, III along fold lines 1810 anda shared point 1800 such that the three sections form a stackedconfiguration when in a folded position. The shared point 1800 iscentrally located on the canopy 1200 when in a planar position. In thefolded position, the shared point 1800 is disposed along an outer edgeof the wearable canopy shade 1000 (as seen in FIG. 5). The first sectionI comprises a first corner of the first end 1110, the second section IIcomprises a second corner of the first end 1110, and the third sectioncomprises the second end 1130.

In the illustrated embodiment, in order to store the wearable canopyshade 1000 in the closed position, the user manipulates the frame 1100by rotating the second end 1130 towards the first end 1110. As thesecond end 1130 is rotated towards the first end 1110, the third sectionIII is rotated so as to overlap the first section I. The second sectiontwists and folds under the first and third sections I, III so as to forma stacked configuration.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a side perspective view of thethird embodiment of the wearable canopy shade in a folded position. Inthe folded position, the three sections I, II, III form a stackedconfiguration. The first section I is sandwiched between the second andthird sections II, III. In the closed position, the frame is folded suchthat the first end, second end, and middle section are in a stackedconfiguration for flat, compact storage. In some embodiments, thewearable canopy shade comprises a storage pouch configured to receivethe frame and canopy in the closed position. In other embodiments, afastener, such as a clip, secures around the folded wearable canopyshade to prevent the frame from opening.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, there is shown front and rearperspective views of a fourth embodiment of the wearable canopy shade,respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the wearable canopy shade1000 includes a backpack 1900, wherein the second end 1130 of the frame1100 is secured to an interior of the backpack 1900. The frame 1100 ismovable between an open position and a closed position. In the openposition, the second end 1130 is perpendicular to the first end 1110,such that the second end 1130 is configured to rest within the backpack1900, while carried by the user, and the first end 1110 is configured torest above a head of the user.

In the illustrated embodiment, the backpack 1900 comprises at least onemain compartment 1910 and at least one secondary compartment 1920, eachfor storing items. The second end 1130 of the frame 1100 is securedwithin the main compartment 1910. In some embodiments, the second end1130 of the frame 1100 is permanently attached to the backpack 1900,while in other embodiments the frame 1100 is removably secured via anysuitable fastener such as hook and loop material. The benefit of havingthe ability to remove the frame 1100 is allowing for more storage spacewithin the backpack 1900 while not using the canopy 1200. In someembodiments, the second end 1130 of the frame 1100 is disposed in anexterior pocket, closest to a rear side 1930 of the backpack 1900, suchthat the frame 1100 and canopy 1200 can be removed for use withoutdisturbing contents within the main or secondary compartments 1910,1920. In the illustrated embodiment, the pair of shoulder straps 1300extend from the rear side 1930 of the backpack 1900 and are configuredto secure the wearable canopy shade 1000 to the user.

In order to store the frame 1100 and canopy 1200 of the wearable canopyshade 1000 in the closed position, a user manipulates the frame 1100 byfolding the first end 1110 towards the second end 1130 (Direction A) andmoved downwards (Direction B) into the main compartment 1910 of thebackpack 1900. The first end 1110 is folded parallel to and over thesecond end 1130 of the frame 1100, forming a first folded position. Insome embodiments, fasteners secure the first end to the second end in astacked configuration, such that the first folded position is the closedconfiguration. In other embodiments, a pocket within the maincompartment receives the first end of the frame in order to restrictfurther movement thereof.

In alternate embodiments, after forming the first folded position suchthat the first end overlays the second end, the frame 1100 is twistedapproximately 180 degrees about a longitudinal axis, forming a secondfolded position, and then folded horizontally about the rotation suchthat the folded sections overlap again, such that the frame 1100 formsthe closed position. In the closed position, the frame 1100 is foldedsuch that the first end and second end 1110, 1130 are in a stackedconfiguration for flat, compact storage.

In operation, the wearable canopy shade is removed from a storage pouch,backpack, or other restraint and immediately opens to the openedposition. A user dons the wearable canopy shade similar to a backpacksuch that the first end 1110 of the frame 1100 floats above the user'shead and neck, protecting them from the direct rays of the sun whilestill allowing the user to move about with arms free and visionunobstructed due to the tapered shape of the middle section.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown anddescribed in what is considered to be the most practical and preferredembodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be madewithin the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications willoccur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the abovedescription then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensionalrelationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations insize, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assemblyand use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in theart, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in thedrawings and described in the specification are intended to beencompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of theprinciples of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications andchanges will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is notdesired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operationshown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications andequivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of theinvention.

I claim: 1) A wearable canopy shade, comprising: a frame movable betweenan open position and a closed position; a canopy secured to the frame; astrap configured to secure the frame to a user; wherein the frame isbiased in the open position and forms a continuous loop, wherein theframe is configured to fold and twist into the closed position. 2) Thewearable canopy shade of claim 1, wherein an entire lateral width of thefirst end is larger than an entire lateral width of the second end. 3)The wearable canopy shade of claim 1, wherein the frame is a monolithicstructure. 4) The wearable canopy shade of claim 1, further comprising atransparent pocket disposed on an exterior side for the canopy. 5) Thewearable canopy shade of claim 1, further comprising a solar paneldisposed on the first end and an output operably connected to the solarpanel, wherein the output is connectable to an electronic device. 6) Thewearable canopy shade of claim 1, further comprising a pouch extendingfrom the second end of the frame. 7) The wearable canopy shade of claim1, wherein the second end of the frame is perpendicular to the first endin the open position, such that the second end is configured to restparallel to a back of a user and the first end is configured to restabove a head of the user. 8) The wearable canopy shade of claim 1,further comprising a cord securable between the first end of the frameand the strap. 9) The wearable canopy shade of claim 8, furthercomprising a clip extending from a first end of the cord and a bandextending across the strap, wherein the clip is removably securable tothe band to secure the cord to the strap. 10) The wearable canopy shadeof claim 9, wherein a ring extends from a second end of the cord andslidably secures the cord to the first end of the frame. 11) Thewearable canopy shade of claim 1, wherein the canopy forms a continuoussurface within the frame. 12) The wearable canopy shade of claim 1,wherein the canopy comprises a vent disposed on the second end of theframe. 13) The wearable canopy shade of claim 1, wherein opposing sidesof the frame taper inward between the first end and second end of theframe. 14) The wearable canopy shade of claim 1, wherein the second endof the frame is secured to an interior of a backpack. 15) The wearablecanopy shade of claim 14, wherein the frame and the canopy form theclosed position within the interior of the backpack. 16) The wearablecanopy shade of claim 1, wherein the frame is configured to coil intooverlapping loops and repeatedly assume an expanded configuration.